Note: Forest Friday on 3/21 has been canceled due to the wind advisory. Help restore Van Cortlandt Park's vital urban forest! Join our Forest Friday events to remove invasive plants like multiflora rose, bittersweet, and porcelain berry. Your efforts will create space for native plants to thrive and support the long-term health of this 640-acre...
Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various species of resident and migratory birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. Each walk will be led by a NYC Bird Alliance (formerly NYC Audubon) guide. Advance registration is required. You...
Van Cortlandt Track Club has organized this amazing race in the park for decades! This year, they are donating all proceeds to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance to help maintain the cross country trail. Sunday, March 30, 2025, 10:00 a.m. start time In the case of bad weather, the race goes on! $35 pre-registration, $40 race day. (8:30-9:30...
Join VCPA and Women of Woodlawn as we clean up the Bocce and Tennis Courts to get ready for Family Fun Day! Volunteers will meet up at the Bocce Courts inside the park off of E. 233rd just north of Van Cortlandt Park at 10am. Once the Bocce Courts are in good shape we will shift to the other end of Indian Field to work on the Tennis Courts. All tools and gloves will be provided. RSVP Now.
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the Cross Country Trail in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact! Event Dates and Times: First Saturdays of the Month from April to August from 10am to 1pm.* *Please note that May 3rd will be for groups of 10 or more only. Please email garcialeslie@vancortlandt.org to schedule a group. *Please note that due to the July 4th Holiday, the July event has been moved to the second Saturday. Meeting Details: Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Garden and Education...
EVENT POSTPONED TO JUNE 28, 2025. MORE DETAILS TO COME. Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association Present Woodlawn Family Fun Day With a Special Ceremony to induct Van Cortlandt Park's woodlands into the prestigious Old-Growth Forest Network! Special thank you to our partners: NYC Parks Women of Woodlawn Woodlawn Taxpayers Association Council Member Eric Dinowitz New York Road Runners Old-Growth Forest Network This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
Start your family's Spring Break off with a walk through VCP with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance! In this free guided hike, families will hit the trails while learning about amazing local wildlife, and how the park changes seasonally. Afterwards, (weather permitting,) join us for a nature craft and themed activities! Date: Wednesday, April 16th Time: 11am - 12:30 pm (The hike will start at approximately 11:10 am) Meeting Point: In front of the Van Cortlandt Golf House, right before hitting the Lake House Cafe. We'll be outside the whole time; dress appropriately for the weather All children must be accompanied...
Be a part of the community effort to maintain the trails in Van Cortlandt Park. Whether you’re an experienced trailblazer or new to trail maintenance, your help will make a significant impact! Meeting Details: Location: Van Cortlandt Park, Garden and Education Compost Site, across from Riverdale Stables. Time: 9 am sharp; work begins at 9:15 am Upcoming Activities Include: Clearing debris and overgrowth Ensuring trail safety and accessibility Desire line closures What to Bring: Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing Closed-toed shoes Water and a snack Why Join Us? Contribute to the vitality and safety of the trails you love! Engage with fellow...
Spring Break Family Fun: Freshwater Friends What sort of critters live underneath the waters in Van Cortlandt Park? Is the pond a healthy ecosystem? How can we tell? What in the world is an aquatic macroinvertebrate? Come explore the ecosystem of Hester & Piero’s Mill Pond with us to find out! In this hands-on exploration station, your family can observe and identify some of the insects found in the pond, without even getting your feet wet! Date: Thursday, April 17th Time: 11am - 1pm Meeting Point: North of Van Cortlandt Golf Lake House RSVP Now. This workshop is intended for...
Help protect and restore the forests of Van Cortlandt Park — one of NYC’s most ecologically significant green spaces. Join our Forest Friday crew to remove invasive species like multiflora rose, porcelain berry, and bittersweet. Your hands-on work will create space for native plants to return and help this 640-acre urban ecosystem thrive for generations to come. 🛠️ What We'll Do: Identify and remove invasive plants (e.g. multiflora rose, bittersweet, porcelain berry) Use hand tools to clear priority zones and prepare them for native species Learn about forest ecology, plant ID, and restoration techniques from experienced staff and stewards A...
Turnip to volunteer! Volunteers will help care for our garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed - just show up in clothing you will be comfortable getting dirty in! Join us on the following Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm: April 8 April 22 May 13 May 27 June 10 June 24 July 8 July 22 August 12 August 26 Enter the park at Broadway & Mosholu Ave. Come once, twice, or for as many sessions as you'd like! 18 and older. RSVP Now. Groups of 5+ must register as a unit via email to...
Woodlawn Wednesdays: Forest Restoration at Van Cortlandt Park Help restore the beautiful woodlands of Van Cortlandt Park’s east side! Join us for Woodlawn Wednesdays, where volunteers like you play a vital role in preserving this important urban ecosystem. What You'll Do Each week, we'll focus on hands-on tasks that vary with the seasons. You might: Remove Invasive Species: Tackle harmful plants like multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle, bittersweet, and Japanese angelica tree that threaten our native biodiversity. Maintain Trails: Keep paths clear, safe, and welcoming for all park visitors. Plant Native Species: Contribute to long-term forest health by planting native trees,...
